We couldn’t do this without you.

Listening to Jordan Ellis and Anna Hawkes speak about their experiences, gives a sense of the importance of providing care that extends beyond immediate medical intervention.

Jordan and Anna are part of the East Anglian Air Ambulance Aftercare team who offer practical and emotional support to patients and families in the turbulent aftermath of a life-changing emergency.

"I didn’t realise just how important this job would be," says Jordan, who is an EAAA Aftercare Officer and also a paramedic with the ambulance service.

"We can comfort people and put a smile back on someone’s face. We signpost people to other volunteers, fill in pieces of the puzzle for patients who can’t remember what happened. No matter how large or small the difference we make, it’s a real privilege to support patients and families."

Making a difference together.

"After an emergency, we try to follow up with all patients," says Anna. "We will allocate time to send out bereavement cards or a message to say we hope you’re feeling better. We’ll then often visit people who respond to the card at home or in hospital."

"When it comes to children, especially, we know the family will need a lot of reassurance. Explaining exactly what is happening can take away some of their anxiety." Anna says, "The fact that we can offer a specialist aftercare service is incredible; it means that former patients and families have access to practical and emotional support to help them make the difficult transition back to daily life."

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